Cocktail n- Style!

Channel your inner mixtress!! Cocktails aren't just for happy hour fun or dinner party hijinks!! Curlies have been cocktailing products for effectiveness for years. One product by itself doesn't produce the results, but two make it just right! So, if you've ever felt like Goldilocks and you just can find the "right" product, then get ready to be bold and experiment with cocktailing.

How do you know what to cocktail? Well, there are many ways to cocktail without making a mess of your hair. But, be warned.. cocktailing can come with a price. If you're an adventurous curly, then this may be for you. You might just produce the perfect product for conditioning, styling, or refreshing.

Cocktailing has helped my hair tremendously. Because of cocktailing I can now have two strand twists that hold together with very little frizz. I remember watching YouTuber Charjay mix together a gel and pomade together and that gave me the idea to mix together the products that I used separately. The first time I did it, my hair felt like it rejoiced. I had the juiciest, firm twists ever!

Here are some easy ways to get your feet wet in experimenting with cocktailing:

1.Conditioner cocktails can allow the hair to receive optimal moisture. Mixing a thick conditioner with another slippery conditioner can give you the perfect mix for deep conditioning or rinse out. Get your favorite deep conditioner and the desired amount of rinse out conditioner.

2. Styler cocktails help the hair to hold style longer. Sometimes a gel by itself doesn't hold the hair well. But, if you combine gel with pomade then there is a moist yet medium hold. Experiment with the amount of gel and pomade to get your desired hold. My all time favorite cocktail is the Nubian Heritage Edge Taming Taffy with the Shea Moisture Curling Souffle.

3. Spritz cocktails can give the hair a boost to condition and moisturize the hair. Add your favorite leave-in with a little water and/or aloe vera juice. For super conditioning add oils, such as castor, jojoba, or grapeseed.

Make sure you test a small amount of your cocktail on a small section of your hair BEFORE using it on your entire head. Often times, cocktailing takes practice but it is SO worth it when you get the desired result.

Readers, what products have you experimented with cocktailing?

Multi textured Hair Care

Last Sunday my dad shared a story about his cousin cutting his hair years ago and he exclaimed that she said "You have about three different textures on your head! I stared at my dad in awe and I realized that I got my multi textured hair from him. I have type 3c in the front of my head; 4b in the middle (crown area); 4a on the sides and some 3c in the back.What is multi textured hair? It is simply hair that has more than one texture or type. One section might have dry, thirsty coils whereas another section might have looser coils. Often, I have heard other naturals exclaim frustration with having more than one hair type.

Multi textured hair can be frustrating. Why? Because there are usually styling and moisture concerns with the section that has the tightest curl and coil. Usually, that section is harder to moisturize thus leaving it looking quite different from the rest of the hair. So, what's a multi head to do? I have simple solutions that I've used that may also help you.

#1. Focus on that drier, tighter haired section by applying additional product. Divide the hair and smooth on conditioner. Use your fingers to smooth to the tips of your hair.

#2. Gently detangle that section and avoid ripping out the hair. Use a wide tooth comb. Make sure your hair is sopping wet with conditioner before attempting to detangle. Detangle hair in sections.

#3. Make your own super hair booster mix with your favorite oils and aloe vera juice to add to your conditioner. Shake it up, apply, and enjoy the benefits of moisturized hair.

#4. Spritz your hair and give that section extra TLC. Be sure to spritz your hair twice a day preferably morning and evening to ensure that you keep dryness at bay.

#5. Try using a heavier creamy conditioner on sections that are drier. Put a little on your fingers and apply sparingly ONLY to the extra dry section.

#6. Use some heat when deep conditioning to ensure that the conditioner is penetrating your hair.

#7. Seal your hair with nourishing oils to lock in moisture. You can choose which oils are best for your hair. Heavier oils like castor and olive oils are especially good in the winter. Lighter oils like almond and grapeseed can be mixed with the heavier oils add benefits to the oil mixture.

Just remember to treat your hair gently and it will thank you. Yes, it's frustrating to have all these different textures competing on your head, but caring for all of them will make one HAPPY head. Instead of lamenting about your multi textured head, celebrate it's uniqueness!! Turn your wash days into spa days and treat your hair to a special session of TLC. You won't regret it!!

Readers, how do you cope with multi textured hair?

When DIY Becomes S.T.U.P.I.D

I am ALL for learning about your hair and its needs. But, sometimes being a DIY (do it yourself) natural is detrimental. Yes, even professional cosmetologists can truly mess up people's hair through mishaps and irresponsible practices. However, there are times when you don't have the answer and turning to the YouTube and blog "experts" is just not going to cut it. While I have respect for the popular vloggers, mostly all of them do not have medical licenses or even a cosmetologist license. When do you need to step back and get help?

#1. When your scalp is red, badly flaking, and itching MOST days. If you are constantly scratching and seeing flakes the size of a small pet, then it it is time to get help. If you touch your scalp and it is tender. Then, it is time to seek help.

#2. When your hair is shedding more than normal and this has happened for more than a couple weeks. Abnormal shedding is a sure sign that something is going on either externally or internally. On average humans can shed up to 100 hairs a day. If you see a sizable amount of hair above and beyond your normal shed, then that is a red flag.

#3. If you can see through to your scalp without parting it and there is a spot as bald as a baby's butt, then you need to seek professional help. Alopecia is a medical condition that has to be evaluated by a medical professional. A professional can distinguish among the different types of alopecia to determine which type you may have. The different types require varying forms of treatment.

#4. If your scalp has bumps and/or is oozing or weaping fluid then you need to see a doctor. DO NOT pick or mess with areas that have bumps. Bursting a scalp bump can cause infection which can spread to other parts of your body. Putting a warm compress on it can help to draw out the fluid without causing other issues. Gently wipe the fluid away with a warm clean cloth then pat dry with a towel. Seek medical attention if you have this problem.

#5. If you are experiencing health conditions, such as sudden weight gain or weight loss and there is no specific reason, then please seek out help. These issues could signal a whole host of problems and then it's not just about hair--it's life or death.

The bottom line is while you may want to try to solve the problem all on your own, sometimes you have to go to a professional. By professional, I mean a licensed medical doctor. If you are a part of an HMO then your first point of contact would be to go to your primary care and then he or she would write you a referral to the dermatologist.

There are a lot of GREAT homeopathic remedies out there BUT you must be careful and know the side effects of them. Even natural ingredients can worsen your condition or even cause other problems. For example, did you know that rosemary oil should not be used by people with high blood pressure? Some extracts can even cause rashes or heart palpitations for some users. Seeking professional medical help for the initial diagnosis and plan for treatment is key.

Why should you take time to go to the doctor? Well, even though another may have the same symptoms, it may not be the same problem. Some scalp conditions are similar but only a trained professional knows how to diagnose and treat your specific problem. They are trained to analyze the scalp and ask the right probing questions to understand what is going on with your scalp.

Please heed my advice. Initially, I went to the dermatologist and I'm glad I did. I pursued answers about my condition and he provided me with a wealth of information and treatment. The prescription shampoos, ointment, and medication helped me on my journey. Although I have now turned to homeopathic treatment, I am grateful for the treatment I did receive from my medical doctor and dermatologist. Not going to the doctor when something is clearly wrong is like driving without your glasses when you need them to drive.

Readers, when do you determine it is time to go see a doctor for scalp related issues? Can you offer advice to those who are scared or can't afford to see a medical professional?

The Hair Growth Chronicles--Operation Grow It! (Day 1)

I'm still a lazy natural even with my new hair growth regimen. Why? Because I am not obsessing over my hair growth despite documenting my experiences. I wear my hair in protective styles during the week and wear it out on the weekends. While I want to grow my hair LONG, I'm not thinking about it until I have to share what it is that I've done. So, without further adieu.. Here's my day 1 observations.

Last night I mixed about a little more than an ounce of Pimento/Jamican Black Castor oil with a strip of Miconazole Nitrate (MN) cream. The oil contains a mixture of  Jamaican pimento oil, Jamaican black castor oil, grapeseed oil, peppermint oil, and eucalpytus oil. I used an old oil bottle that has a tip. I vigorously shook up the mixture. Then, I lightly sprayed my hair with my spritz mix (water, aloe vera juice, JBCO, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, rosemary, lavendar, and tea tree oils. Next, I used the bottle tip to dab small amounts of the mixture on my scalp. Initially, I felt a small tingle that most likely was the result of the stimulating effects of the peppermint and eucalyptus oils. I wrapped my head up in a satin headwrap and went to bed. When I woke up my scalp felt refreshed. There is no feeling of itchiness or irritation.

I drank my cup of Yogi detox tea a few hours before bed. The tea tastes similar to ginger. It is bitter but it has a taste of spicy undertones. I think the taste will grow on me. The only effect the tea has had is that I have had to urinate more. This is due to the cleansing of my livers and kidneys.

I will be getting in my evening walk on the treadmill today. My exercise shoes have to be pulled out and I have to pull my treadmill down. I didn't use it for several months now because a few months ago I fainted while using it. I became fearful that this would happen again, so I stopped exercising on it. I used to run on the treadmill up to about 45 minutes to an hour a day. I've decided to power walk from now on and I may even get back to using my kettlebells. Working up a sweat, feeling good, and increasing my hair growth? That sounds like a win/win situation.

Before I forget I want to share my new refreshening spritz that I've been using for the past few weeks. My son has used it for his hair too and he shared his opinion with me. I asked him how he compared it to the store bought leave-in spritz I used (Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier) and this is what he stated. He feels that my homemade spritz "leaves my hair more moisturized longer". With his positive reviews and my great experiences, I feel the need to share my spritz recipe.

Rosemary/JBCO Moisturizing Spritz
Use 1 small (8-10 oz) spritz or spray bottle and fill it 2/3 way with water. Add about a tablespoon of aloe vera juice. Next, add about a tablespoon of Jamaican Black Castor oil. Then, a teaspoon of grapeseed oil and a teaspoon of jojoba oil. Add about 8 drops of rosemary oil, 5 drops of lavendar oil, 4 drops of tea tree oil, and 2 drops of peppermint oil. Shake vigorously. Your spritz is ready to use. Store the mixture in a cool, dry area.

Operation Grow it LONG!

I have always dreamt of having LONG hair. Blame it on fairy tales with princesses with LOTS of luscious hair. As a relaxed head, I often thought about my dark brown (almost black hair) swinging in the wind. Now as a bodacious natural, I want BIG fluffy hair. I'm not caught up on someone else's curls, I just want MY curls and I want LOTS of them.

So, what's a curly to do to get more growth? Well, I turned to researching more about my scalp condition, seborrhea dermatitis. This scalp condition is thought to be caused by a yeast or fungus overgrowth on the scalp. It is not the result of poor hygiene but rather, it can be exacerbated by a changing in seasons, stress, or certain cosmetic products. While digging deeper into this frustrating condition, I learned about some possible ways to manage and even almost eliminate it. That brings me to Operation Grow It Long!

I am committed to embarking on a renewed interest in fighting this scalp condition, getting good growth, and improving my overall health. Due to the nature of my problem, I'm attacking it from the nutritional diet and haircare aspects. I will be blogging about my experiences over the upcoming months to share my observations, celebations, and challenges. I'm doing this in hope of helping others with the same issue.

#1. Tea Detox.. For the next 30 days I will be drinking a tea detox which will benefit my internal functions. According to my research people with seborrhea dermatitis will benefit from a detox cleansing. I will be using the Yogi Detox tea which contains many natural ingredients, including clove and burdock root. The theory behind detoxing is that it will cleanse the body of any toxics that contribute to the overgrowth of yeast.

#2. Exercise... I will walk on my treadmill at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes. I hope to increase my walking to most days of the week. But, I know I must start somewhere so I will start slow. Studies show that people who exercise are healthier and their bodies function more efficiently. Also, this will help to increase my circulation.

#3. Use MN mixture on scalp... For this one I did A LOT of research and prayed about it. For those of you who don't know miconazole nitrate (MN) is the active ingredient in Monistat 7. Yes, the vaginal cream. I know I will probably get some flack for using this on my scalp BUT my scalp condition is due to an overgrowth of YEAST. There are MANY testimonials on YouTube and on various blogs about how using the cream diluted with oils or water resulted in at least double the growth. I will be mixing a small amount to start with Jamican Black Castor/Pimento Oil. Diluting a small amount of the MN with oil will eliminate any side effects. According to my research some people have gotten side effects, such as redness and tenderness at the application site; ringing the ears; and increased shedding. Mostly, this is due to applying MN straight from the tube to the scalp. For more info on Monistat for hair growth visit http://suicidesevemonistat.blogspot.com/2011/03/growing-your-hair-using-monistat.html?m=1.

#4. Increase my produce (fruits and veggies) intake and decrease fatty foods and sugars. Unfortunately, I have some bad eating habits. While I drink A LOT of water daily, I have somewhat of a sweet tooth. Just the other week my son and I made some red velvet cupcakes. I devoured them to the point where my son complained that I ate more than my share. I think out of all things in my new challenge, this one will be the most difficult for me. Also, I have an obsession with bread and starch. I LOVE bread products and anything made with dough like pizza. I will be working on finding some healthy alternatives.

This is my plan to increase my hair growth and become healthier. As I've said, I did a lot of research to ensure that my plan was tailor fit for MY needs. I'm not advocating that anyone follow my lead. I have suffered with this scalp condition for years. I've gone to the dermatologist for years and then, I realized that what I was being prescribed dealt with my symptoms but I was not being healed. I go forth in this journey with excitement and anticipation.

Have you decided to change anything in your hair regimen? If so, why ? What are your plans?

Rotating Shampoos for Effectiveness

If you're like me and you have a special scalp condition or you have a tempermental scalp, then you may want to consider rotating shampoos. I got the idea from my dermatologist when he presented me with a plan to use medicated shampoos and switch every 2-3 weeks. Each shampoo contained a different beneficial ingredients for my scalp condition. The reasoning behind the shampoo rotation was to keep my scalp from getting too used to the shampoos and then, they lose their effectiveness. However, my main reason for shampoo rotation is to suit my hair's needs.

How do you rotate shampoos? Well, you can either set a schedule for rotation or allow your scalp to dictate it. Whatever schedule you choose, you will need to keep track of which shampoos you use for that particular week.

To get started rotating shampoos you will need a clarifying, itchy scalp relief, moisturizing, and light protein shampoos. If you are using a shampoo bottle then you can label them 1,2, 3, and 4. If you are a shampoo bar user like me then you can separate your bars and label the ziploc bags.

Your clarifying week will be to clean your scalp of any build up. Clarifying is important because if product continues to gather on your scalp then you can risk scalp irritation, fungus, and even hair loss. Clarifying shampoos are usually clear and lighter than other shampoos. They will leave your hair feeling squeaky clean. I use Chagrin Valley Aryvedic Herb shampoo bar to clarify.

During my itchy scalp weeks I choose shampoos that have stimulating ingredients such as tea tree, peppermint, and rosemary oils. Lathering and leaving the itchy scalp shampoo on my scalp for several minutes is very soothing before rinsing it out. Giovanni Triple Tea Tree Treat shampoo gives a great tingle and helps with itchy scalp. Cafe Moreno, Rosemary Mint, and Neem and Tea Tree Hair/Body bars are also excellent for getting rid of the itchies.

If my hair feels extra crispy, then I reach for an extra moisturizing shampoo. These shampoos are creamy and thicker than regular shampoos. You can turn the bottle upside down and it pours slowly out. Extra moisturizing shampoo bars include coconut  milk, castor, and olive oils. My favorite moisturizing Chagrin Valley shampoo bars include Olive Babassu and Butter Conditioner bars. My favorite moisturizing Shampoo is Shea Moisture Curl & Shine Coconut Hibiscus Shampoo.

On weeks that I need more protein then I am sure to add shampoos that contain vegetable protein. One of my favorite shampoos is Shea Moisture Yucca & Aloe thickening shampoo. In addition to making my hair feel stronger, it also gives my hair more volume. It is especially formulated for fine and thin hair.

Disclaimer: I am not against co-washing but it is not a method that I chose because of my scalp condition. People with special scalp conditions, such as seborrhea dermatitis, eczema, and psorasis will need to shampoo to cleanse the scalp of dandruff flakes.

The New Lazy Method to Hair Growth

I am always in awe of naturals, who have grown their hair to long lengths without a bunch of gimmicks or seemingly hard work. I have several long haired naturals in my family and I've always asked them the burning question "how do you grow your hair so LONG?" Most of the time they will shrug their shoulders and give that cursatory "I just wash my hair and condition it" response. Hah! I thought. Well, I began to watch them more closely. Not satisfied with observing my long haired relatives (after all, we share some of the same genes), I observed other long haired naturals. What I found common in their practices, helped me to become a part of the lazy naturals club.

#1. Minimize your products. The majority of long haired naturals don't use a million and one different products. In fact, they mostly have just a minimal amount of staple products that they use. Piling a bunch of product on top of product all the time, is just not what I see long haired naturals doing. This is not to say that you shouldn't try new products. No, I'm saying don't go overboard putting a bunch of them in your head at one time then waiting to cleanse your hair forever. Some naturals can shampoo once a month but at some point you have to cleanse to keep your hair follicles from choking on all the gunk in your hair.

#2. Style your hair then keep your hands out of it for the rest of the day. Notice I said style but not protective style. Why? Because I've seen long haired naturals who wear their hair out most of the time. My niece wears her hair down and she has mid back length hair (mbl). There are times when some long haired naturals protective style, but it's up to the individual. I work in an extremely hot environment, so I protective style 99% of the time because having my hair out makes me feel like I am going to pass out. Just make sure you're not constantly tugging, pulling, and picking at your hair.

#3. Balance your moisture and protein. I know some people say they are protein sensitive, but avoiding all protein is not a good idea. Why? Because hair is mostly made up of keratin, which is a protein. Using light proteins can work well for those who feel they are protein sensitive. Long haired naturals know when they need to add moisture or protein back into their hair. Also, I notice a lot of them co wash. Now I can't do co washing, because of my scalp condition, but I use little shampoo to a greater amount of conditioner. This is like my own modified co wash. I use conditioner that has light protein in it, so I get the best of both worlds.

#4. Eat, drink, and be merry! I see a lot of long haired naturals drink water and other healthy drinks, such as natural juices and smoothies. Many of them eat well. After all, the lack of nutrients can rob your hair, skin, and nails resulting in brittle, breaking, and severe shedding. Finally, keeping your stress levels low is beneficial as stress affects hair fall. In other words, try to be as happy as you can!

#5. Avoid chasing after EVERY gimmick! I was SO guilty of doing this that my wallet was screaming in agony over all the money I had spent on gimmick after gimmick. The new growth shampoo, conditioner, vitamin, and oil is always tempting to buy. Now, don't get me wrong. I use an oil called Wild Growth Hair Oil, but I'm not sitting here thinking that it's my sole source of growth aid. It has great ingredients, but I know that it takes more than just a miracle product to encourage growth. Long haired naturals use simple ingredients and their hair grows, and grows, and grows. Whether you use petroletum or opt for more natural products, the key is consistency and good hair practices.

I haven't been length checking my hair in a while and at this point, I'm subscribing to the "lazy" naturals method. I've automated my hair regimen to the point where I'm not overly concerned with length. I want my hair to grow, but I'm putting my overall health first. After all, healthy on the inside means that it will also reflect on the outside. While I enjoy hair forums, they also contributed to me doing too much. I would see a new product or method and feel the need to try it. Don't get me wrong, hair forums are an awesome source of information and if you're newly natural then it can provide a great support system.

Now, this is my new commitment to laziness. What's yours?

Part 2-My Hair Journey: How the Bald Spots Disappeared and My Self Esteem Soared

After suffering through one of the WORST natural hair salon experiences, I resolved to learn more about my scalp condition and learn how to care for my hair. Desperate for information, how to's, and tips I stumbled onto the natural hair community on YouTube. I developed almost an obsession for learning through product reviews, tutorials, and hair journeys. Among my favorite YouTubers were CurlyChronicles, African Export, and Kimmaytube. They have type 4 hair and it is well preserved. Their videos are pretty informative and helpful. Also, I learned a lot about DIY (do it yourself) recipes for spritzes, hair butters, and oil mixtures.

My hair journey about 2 yrs ago took a turn for the better as I learned that my hair thrives on natural ingredients. After using products that had awesome ingredients, such as shea butter, aloe vera, castor oil, and mango butter, I saw my hair change from brittle to breaking to moisturized and thriving. I could not believe that my hair was the same hair that was falling out horribly.

I remember giving up on the products that I typically found in the beauty supply store. All of the greases, pomades, and moisturizers promising the softest hair DIDN'T work for me. Frustrated, I gave up and just continued to work on mixing my own hair butters and moisturizers. While the moisturizers were fun to make; I found that I could never get my mixes quite right. I decided to go into the health store and there I discovered TheraNeem shampoo and conditioner by Organix South. Although it was more expansive then what I was used to, I bought it. I felt relief from my itching scalp and I continued to use it for several months. But, after a while the shampoo's effectiveness began to wear off. It was just as my doctor had said and I remembered that I had to rotate shampoos according to his instructions.

One day while walking through Target I saw a display on the outside of the aisle featuring a new hair product called Shea Moisture. Intrigued I went over and started reading the story of the creators, who now used their grandmother's shea butter preparations. I knew that raw shea butter in my hair worked really well. So, I began picking up the products reading their ingredients. I was impressed, but I wasn't willing to buy up a whole bunch of products, so I settled on the Coconut & Hibiscus Hair Milk. After using it for the first time, I was instantly hooked.

Over the next few months I tried out different Shea Moisture products including the Restorative shampoo, deep treatment mask, and moisturizer. I quickly learned that my hair did not like the raw shea butter line. So, I went back to the Coconut & Hibiscus line trying out the shampoo and curl enhancing smoothie. Instant love!! But, I still wanted something to calm my itchy scalp and that's when I discovered the Black soap line. The Purification Masque shrank the bumps on my scalp and took away the flakes. The shampoo was awesome and the conditioner worked well.

These last 2 yrs my knowledge and understanding of my hair has grown and changed. Initially, I did not know that my hair was curly and coily. I only knew the thick, thirsty kinks that resulted from my hair needing a touch up. Even as a child I had dry hair that poofed into a dry afro once my braids or plaits were taken out. My fear of water had disappeared and I run to water using it in my spritz to revive thirsty curls. Shea, mango, and cocoa butters in natural products provide a good sealant. Oils, such as Jamaican Black Castor, grapeseed, and jojoba are among my staples. I use store brought natural products along with my occasional mixtures of oils and butters.  Shampoo bars have replaced regular shampoo and dye free conditioners and stylers keep my hair moisturized.

What is the point of sharing my hair journey? I want to encourage ladies, who have balding, shedding, and breaking hair to not give up! Don't get caught up in coveting thick, luxious hair. It took my 4 yrs being natural to figure out my hair. Work with the hair you have in order to get the hair you want.

Looking back on your hair journey what do you now know that you wish you knew when you first started? What are your hair milestones.

Henna Shampoo Bar: HIT or MISS?

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Chagrin Valley shampoo bars! When I saw that Ms. Ida (creator of CV Soap and Salve) decided to make Henna shampoo bars, I literally squealed with delight. Yep, I love her products that much! So, I scrolled down the page and I saw that the henna bars come in three assortments: chestnut, auburn, and strawberry. I figured that since I was curious about henna, then what better way then to try a shampoo bar. Through some research I learned that henna is a natural dye. I was intrigued by the concept of putting henna in a shampoo bar. I wondered if the shampoo bar would have the same effect as actual henna.

Since I could hardly wait to order these shampoo bars, I ordered them on the date they were available,Friday,
January 4,2013. The service is excellent and my order arrived on Wednesday, January 9th. I could smell the herbal scent of my order even before opening the package! The shampoo bars come in a small paper bag with a neat label on the front stating the name and ingredients. The ingredients are saponified oils of babassu, sunflower, coconut, castor, organic palm, water, organically grown henna; organic coconut milk, indigo; organic black walnut hulls; cloves; and rosemary oil extract.

I took the bar out and I noticed that it was about the same color and consistency as the Cafe Moreno bar but it was a little darker. I sniffed it and the herbal scent was very light. I began to cut a strip of the bar, so that I could efficiently save it. It is common knowledge that the best way to use a shampoo bar is to cut it and store the rest for later use.

1st Trial: Wednesday, January 9th
I prepooed/ deep conditioned with Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp & Tamanu Grow & Strengthen Treatment Masque. While smoothing it down I detangled my hair and twisted it into about 6 loose twists. Then, I let it sit in my hair for about 30 min. Next, I hopped in the shower rinsing it thoroughly from my hair. After all traces of my prepoo were gone, I took the Henna shampoo bar and rubbed it clockwise on my crown of my head. Bubbles burst forth instantly and I massaged my scalp. Per the Chagrin Valley website advice, I left the Henna shampoo bar lather on my head for several minutes. Finally, I rinsed my hair then used the Butter conditioner bar. Rinsed and added my TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture conditioner (mixed with aloe vera juice, Jamaican Black Castor oil, and grapeseed oil).

Please note: I noticed that my hair felt VERY soft after rinsing out the Henna shampoo lather. With ingredients such as organic henna, hibiscus, and coconut milk, it is no wonder my hair felt like silk. Also, I noticed that my curls were drooping slightly. I began to wonder if it was the henna, because someone (I can't remember who) mentioned that it might loosened the curl pattern. Once my hair dried (a la white t-shirt turban style), I felt VERY soft hair.

2nd Trial: Sunday, January 13th
I decided to prepoo with TRESemme Luxurious Moisture mixed with Jamaican Black Castor oil and grapeseed oil. I detangled and put my hair into about 6 large twists. I let the mixture stay on my hair for about 30 minutes then I hopped into the shower to rinse it out. Next, I rubbed the henna chestnut shampoo bar clockwise on my head several times. My hair ended up with more lather on my head this time. I let the henna lather stay on my head for several (maybe about 10 minutes) then I rinsed it out. My hair felt clean but not squeaky clean like the first time. This time instead of using the butter conditioner bar and then the rinse out conditioner, I went straight to the rinse out conditioner. I used Yes to Blueberries Healthy Hair Repair conditioner. I was able to easily detangle and my hair felt very soft and moisturized. It seems as though my curls are slightly looser but they still apprar to look like little spirals the size of coffee stirrers.

My final verdict? I absolutely LOVE the new Chagrin Valley henna bar. Although it is too early to tell if it will highlight my hair, I can say that it works well to cleanse and soften my hair. Detangling was almost as easy as when I use my beloved Babassu Marshmallow shampoo bar by Chagrin Valley. Since using the bar, I have not had itchy scalp. That's a great bonus! The only other CV bar that helps me specifically ward off the itchies is the Cafe Moreno bar, so I'm definitely a new fan of this Henna Chestnut bar.

I plan to use the henna shampoo bar in my rotation. Currently, I rotate the use of the following shampoo bars: babassu marshmallow, neem & tea tree hair/body bar, cafe moreno, olive babassu, and butter conditioner bar. Shampoo bar rotations are based on the condition of my scalp and hair for that particular week. I plan to give a more detailed description of how to rotate shampoo bars in an upcoming post. Also, I purchased Chagrin Valley Rosemary Mint and Coconut Milk shampoo bars. I will post detailed reviews once I use them.

For more information or to order Chagrin Valley shampoo bars please visit http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/

Are you a shampoo bar user? If so, which shampoo bars do you enjoy? If not, then share which shampoos you use to highlight your natural color.

A Forgotten Natural Hair Journey-Part 1

When I became natural it was not out of following a trend or because I needed something else "to do" with my hair. I became natural out of a necessity stemming from my scalp condition and hair loss. I remember my stylist saying that I had a scab and small bald spot in the top of my hair and that I needed to go to the dermatologist. Yet even after the discovery of the bald spot, I still wanted to continue to get the chemical processing done to my hair. I felt I needed the relaxer, because I felt my hair was not the "right type" to go without chemicals. As I sat in the dermatologist's office, I felt despair and confusion come over me. My dermatologist told me I had a condition called "seborrhea dermatitis". I asked him if I could still get relaxers and his exact words were "Not if you want hair". He then encouraged me to go natural.

My first exploration into natural hair started with a small natural hair salon that specialized in using natural products to achieve various styles. I remember going to the natural stylist and having her recoil from me as she looked at my scalp. "Ewww.. what is that? I can't touch that can I?" I felt tears gather in my eyes, as I told her that I had seborrhea dermatitis. She asked me what it was and then told me to go to the doctor's and get a note because she didn't want to catch anything. At that point, desperate to get my hair done, I complied with her request and the doctor did produce a note and pamphlet about my condition. After I returned with the note, still not convinced she made excuses about doing my hair, so the owner agreed to do my hair.

I went to the natural hair stylist for several months until one day she decided to allow a novice stylist to do my hair. My two strand twists that she did ended up unraveling and the cheap products that she used made my scalp condition flare up. The little bit of progress that my hair made was lost and so, I lost more hair. I felt so discourage and then, proceeded to begin doing my hair myself.

During my first year of transitioning to natural I was miserable. I wish I had the wonderful big chop experience that many of the YouTube gurus talk about. I wish my TWA hadn't been affected by my scalp condition and hair loss. When I began watching YouTube and visiting the hair forums, I gained inspiration but I also felt discouraged. My hair wasn't growing the average 1/2 inch per month and the styles that they could do, I never even came close to.

To be continued... Part 2- How the Bald Spots Disappeared & My Self Esteem Soared.

How have you overcome hair set backs and challenges?

Pretty Coverups and Lovely Accessories for the Forgotten Natural

Winter is the PERFECT time for lovely coverups, such as scarves, hats, and wraps. Why? Because if you live in a cold climate then these accessories can be your greatest ally if you are having a bad hair day OR you have hair loss. Using a cute beanie to coordinate with an outfit or a bodacious scarf to bring out the color of your hair, complexion, or eyes can turn a "blah" into an "oh, yeah"! Don't let your hair be the reason why your smile is dimmer or your eyes lose their shine.

How many times did I cry over the hair loss I suffered in the crown of my head? Well, too many times to remember. Years ago, I remembered the time I used a handheld mirror to look in the back of my head to see that my weak spot had grown to a bigger area and there was absolutely no hair there! I was completely  mortified when I saw I had no hair there. Worse still, being a teacher I knew that I had many eyes on me everyday and that was just going to be torture. I remember walking down the steps from lunch leading my students to the classroom when a female loudly exclaimed "She's bald!" After that comment I was quite self conscious and for an entire year I began wearing scarves to cover up my bald area. Thankfully, now that spot in the top of my head is covered with hair and no one would ever know that I was once bald in that area. I've never been one to wear wigs, but I was almost at that point until I discovered the beauty of wearing scarves and hats.

Beanies and hats are great for casual days or you can get fancy and coordinate them with dress up outfits. Great stores like Charming Charlie have an assortment of beanies and hats that are colorful and some even have added garnishments like bows and pins. I usually keep mine plain but on occasion I will add my own design.

Scarves are excellent and provide a fashionable accessory for any occasion. I can wear my scarves to work, church, on a date, or just a relaxing day at home. I've found many of my scarves at the local Five & Below Store, fabric store, and discount department store. You can get the nicest scarves for just a little bit of many.

Using both of these accessories have literally changed my life. It gave me that confidence that I needed and helped relieve unnecessary stress. I did not have to worry about people seeing my baldness and staring at me. Unless you have suffered hair loss as a woman, than you couldn't possibly understand the cruelty that so called adults can put others through. I will actually share more of my experiences on suffering baldness in the past and how I dealt with the stress in an upcoming post.

For those of you who have baldness or who have experienced baldness like me what advice can you offer other forgotten naturals on how to fashionably hide weak and bald areas?

The Best & Worst Hair Practices of 2012

Every year we look back on the year's past and think back to the good, the bad, and the ugly. In this post I will share my opinion on some of my best and worst hair practices of the past year. Maybe you can relate to having those mountain moments and pitfalls. Lessons can be learned from our best and less than stellar times. It is in our mistakes that we can pinpoint the issues and work towards a better resolution.

THE WORST HAIR PRACTICES OF 2012
1. Cleansing my hair with shampoo always took my hair through trauma. Even the most gentle shampoos would cleanse my hair but then I'd end up using A LOT of conditioners to moisturize.

2. Finger detangling was all fine and dandy UNTIL I saw that parts of my hair were wrapping itself around other parts causing more tangles. Also, finger detangling on my tight curls is a pain in the butt. I don't have all day to do my hair.

3. Heat styling is not damaging to my hair but I feel it takes too much time and right now I'm too lazy. I always get interested in seeing my hair straight UNTIL I have to worry about whether it rained that day and my hair reverting back to curly.

4. Monthly length checks were just a waste of time AND it made my hyper vigilant about my hair. Hair will grow but my worry shouldn't be growing a long with it.

THE BEST HAIR PRACTICES OF 2012

1. Using shampoo bars instead of shampoo has changed my life. Chagrin Valley shampoo bars are so awesome and makes my curls really moisturized. My hair is in love with these poo bars. Also, it appears that my hair is growing so well since using them. I have an assortment in my bathroom cabinet. I also use them as body bars.

2. Protective styling has helped me to forget about my hair and retain length. I get less breakage and knots when I protective style. If all goes well then I will retain a great amount of hair by the end of next year.

3. Adding Jamaican Black Castor oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil to my deep condition and rinse out conditioner has helped me to have softer, more moisturized hair. After doing this for the last few months, I've been wondering why I never thought of this before!

4. Scalp massages using natural oils are very soothing. Also, scalp massages are known to stimulate hair growth. I enjoy stress relieve and hair benefits from just a couple minutes of a massage.

Looking back on 2012 what would you say are your best and/or worst hair practices?

When Natural Hair Products Attack!!!

A natural product promises shiny, luxurious, bouncy curls. BUT...Every hair product isn't for every head of hair. Some of us thrive on coconut oil, others olive oil, and still others may prefer silicones. Whatever your "hair elixer" is I'm sure there has been a time in which you've learned which products and/or ingredients are THE ENEMY. Trying to make a product work when clearly your hair hates it, will be to the detriment of your hair's well being.

Testing, testing...1,2,3 Test out new products on a small portion of your hair or on your inner wrist to see if there is an allergic reaction. Years ago I learned this the hard way when I slathered on some natural hair butter only to have the most intense itching ever! I immediately shampooed the product out of my hair before hair loss could occur. NEVER continue to use a product if it causes severe itching or redness. Doing so may cause hair and/or scalp damage.

Smell check and all that weirdness. If you can take a whiff, pop the top and sniff. Why? Because if you have a sensitivity to smells then a strong fragrance will bother you to no end. If you can't sniff a product then make sure to check the return policy and keep your receipt just in case you need to return the product.  I had this unfortunate encounter with a conditioner that smelled like flowers on adrenaline mixed with popcorn toes. I mean, the smell made me literally sick. Now, I learned the hard way that some products are too sickly sweet for me to use.

Just a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Surprisingly, some companies still give out free small samples (or for a small fee). This is an excellent way to try out products and avoid the money pit of product junkyism. For instance, Miss Jessie's and Original Sprout are two GREAT companies that sent me samples FREE of charge. Another way is to become a part of a natural hair forum and swap products for other products. Often times, naturals will have bottles that are more than 60% full of product to swap or even sell for a reduced free. However, if you choose to swap or sell on the hair forums makes sure that it's from a reliable user with a good reputation. Many forums post great swapper recommendations or swapper complaints for users to get the scoop on who is reliable and who is super flakey.

Naturals like myself who have chemical and/or dye sensitivity or skin conditions have to be careful about product selection. What advice do YOU have to offer to sensitive naturals?

The Novice's Guide to Unlocking the Mysticism of Black Hair

Becoming natural has uncovered a mystical world I never knew. Not that I wasn't aware of my hair's own uniqueness as a relaxed head, but when I encountered my natural hair as an adult, some truths began to magnify for me. I think this is why so many of us black women have become intrigued and even a little obsessed with our own hair.

Enlightened Truth #1.Every person has a unique curl, wave, and kink different from the next person. My curl type is actually a mixture of type 4a/4b with some type 3c mixed in. Even with a mostly type 4 head, I still haven't seen anyone with hair JUST like mine.

Enlightened Truth #2. Curls morph after growth occurs. Now I noticed this phenomenon after looking back at my old photos and watching numerous YouTube videos of lovely ladies showing TWA, medium length, and long hair. It seems as though the curl is different, but what happens is the weight stretches the curl. With this occurring often times naturals find that they have to tweak their hair regimen.

Enlightened Truth #3. You can't ALWAYS follow the hair product directions. I used to follow ALL hair product directions to a "T" when I realized that my curls sometimes yearn for a different approach. Most conditioners and hair milks say use " a quarter sized amount", but my hair craves slightly more. I'm not heavy handed; my hair is greedy. Maybe when and if my hair dryness issue goes away then I can follow those directions. Until then, I'll just stick to NOT following all the directions.

Enlightened Truth #4. Following some hair trends can set you WAY back in your hair journey. We've all heard how some new product or hair tool is all the rage, so we rush out and get it. Guilty as charged. I purchased slyly marketed, expensive stuff just for my scalp to turn red, flake, and suffer severe hair fall. I now know that I have to be strategic in my spending and read DETAILED reviews before purchasing. This saves my hair, money, and time.

Enlightened Truth #5. Hair styles CAN be copied or improved to fit MY face, personality, hair type, and hair length. Before I became comfortable in my natural hair journey, I tried to copy hair styles that I saw perfected on YouTube. I was constantly mad and disappointed. UNTIL I learned to practice, practice, practice. Many hair styles I saw were done on hair types/ densities different than my own. So, using the technique AND modifying them helped me to perfect my own styles.

What are some enlightened truths you've learned a long the way in YOUR hair journey?

Do it Now! How to Set NOW Goals in 2013

Happy New Year 2013! The New Year is an exciting time to re-evaluate life. For me, I have decided on just ONE goal and that is to be the best ME. This means being the best in every area including relationships, finances, family, and professional. Here I am going to focus on sharing two areas- finances and relationships.

I like many other naturals I know struggle with having balance between enjoying great products and managing money. There is ALWAYS some new product that is tempting us to buy. Pretty packages, promises of awesome performance, and that one product review is like dangling a carrot in front of a hungry rabbit. But, in order to become more financially sound we can't throw ourselves off our own fiscal cliff.

NOW Goal #1.Have a financial plan for managing product indulgence. I've decided to only buy what I need to re-stock my staple items BUT splurge one time per school quarter. There are four quarters in my school year (I am a teacher) and we are currently at the end of the 2nd quarter. That gives me technically 3 passes left to splurge until the end of the school year. If you are a college student and on a semester schedule then you may give yourself one pass per semester and one during the summer break. Adjust your spending schedule to meet YOUR financial goals.

My second area that I am focusing on is relationship. More importantly, my relationship with myself. It is my belief that I can't even begin to love and accept others until I first wholly love and accept myself. I am my own worst critic. I admit that I beat myself up TOO much and focus on things that don't matter.

NOW Goal #2. Engage in DAILY affirmations to boost confidence, love, and positive energy. I used to post and read my inspirational scripture everyday. It gave me a positive start to my day. My mother gave me one of those little Bible scriptures for any situation type of books. I need to revisit that and write down the ones that apply to whatever I'm going through.

NOW Goal #3. Garbage in, garbage out. Managing my own perspective and narrative about myself will help me become the BEST me that I can be. If I am reading a book or watching a TV show or movie then it must have some type of optimal benefit to me whether it is super entertaining, informational, or inspirational. Also, I have decided to stop watching media that sheds people of color, particularly African Americans in a bad light. Why? Well, frankly I'm now seeing the world with new eyes and I see too many examples of colorism, racism, sexism, and classism. As an African American woman I now that I am not the world's standard of beauty, but I am beautiful, created by God and I don't need negative images to tear at my psyche.

What "now" goals will you aim to work on in 2013?